Tallahassee mayor could become Florida’s first black governor

WASHINGTON – Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum is well-positioned to become Florida’s first African-American governor after having won the state’s Democratic gubernatorial primary on Tuesday.

“Tonight, through the grace of Floridians all across this state, I am deeply honored and humbled to be your Democratic nominee for Governor,” Gillum said in a statement Tuesday evening.

Gillum added: “We have not yet reached the mountaintop, but we are on the move. It’s time to bring it home for everyone who has been told they don’t belong, for everyone who has been denied a chance, and for everyone who dreams of a brighter future.”

Gillum, a 39-year-old progressive backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), narrowly defeated former congresswoman and centrist Gwen Graham. Graham served in Congress from 2015-17. She is the daughter of former U.S. Senator and former Florida governor Bob Graham (D).

Gillum has served at the helm of Florida’s capital city since 2014. He will face Rep. Ron DeSantis (R) in the general election.

DeSantis, 39, has served in Congress since 2013. He is a member of the House Freedom Caucus and is a close political ally of President Donald Trump.

McSally, 52, has served in Congress since 2015. She is a retired Air Force colonel. In 1993 McSally became the first female combat pilot to fly in hostile territory when she underwent a mission to enforce the no-fly zone in Iraq.

McSally will face Rep. Krysten Sinema (D) in the general election.

Sinema, 42, has served in Congress since 2013. If elected she will become the first openly bisexual member of the Senate.

Recent polls showed a tight race in a hypothetical matchup.

The candidates are vying for the seat of retiring Sen. Jeff Flake (R).